MOT Failure - Ball Joints

[dw_uk2000]

I've just got back my results of the MOT inspection and it failed on both lower front ball joints, looks like a common problem with E46 cars.

They are just sorting out how much they are going to charge me.

Has anyone else had these replaced and knows a rough cost and is there an uprated alternative to BMW parts like powerflex.

Cheers for any comments.

[Matt H330]

Mine failed on those, cost about 200 quid all in at BMW, although I am told that BMW front bushes are sloppy even when they haven't gone. Alot of people will tell you they have gone when they haven't. I paid the 200 quid because I couldn't be bothered to mess around at the time, but you can get it done for half that and I'm told it's quite an easy DIY job.

[Chaos]

I've not had this happen to me, but I did use to be a mechanic decades ago and I will say that it's only a pretty easy job if you have the right tools/setup. ;) The bulk of the charge will be labour, the most expensive part of any dealer-performed job, so an indy could be a good compromise if you're looking to save a few quid.

[Matt H330]

Rears need a compression tool, but the fronts don't, so it shouldn't be that hard with a big hammer ;)

[mysticm3]

blody hell dealer had better sort out the knocking noise from my car soon otherwise I am gonna kick their ass when it comes to MOT time next year. Funny thing after 3 years the car needs MOT and dealer warranty also runs out in 3 years....better get inspection 1 or 2 done before MOT time so you can get some broken parts dug out and replaced under warranty.

[CA Automotive UK]

hi

if its the actual ball joint itself then these are known for wear .....we have not been able to find any uprated actual joint s either , sorry .

[Afif]

i had to get my front lower suspension arms and bushes replaced because i was getting a weird grinding noise when turning the steering :( £400 in total in parts and labour :eek:.

[BlackBimmerUK]

Mine failed on the same thing. Parts are pretty cheap. I did the change myself, you just need the right tools.

[peppernick]

Mine went on my old car at 30,000 miles. The actual part itself like others have mentioned is cheap. If you buy OEM, you get the bush and the bush hanger as a kit. If you buy Powerflex, you need to push out the original bush and you can re-use the alloy hanger.

Problem is, unless you inspect the control arm bushes regularly, the control arm itself will also wear out hinged on worn bushes. So you may need to change the front arms as well. Running a partly worn front arm on new bushes you'll still get the sloppiness and you'll wear out the new bushes in no time. Kind of a viscious circle. That's why you hear a lot of people moan about new bushes wearing out very quickly, that's because they didn't change the worm arms.

So I would inspect both parts carefully. Also, once the bushes show some sign of wear, change them before you chew up your front arms.

Front bushes are £35 from Powerflex but you need a press.

[mysticm3]

dealer said my front wishbone is fxxked... :eek: better ask them to check my arms and bushes too [bang

[dw_uk2000]

From what i can see, is a very common problem with the E46.

Will have to get a few quotes before I get it done.....would try it myself but don't want to mess it up.

Cheers for the tips guys.

[dw_uk2000]

Been trying to look into this further as the quote i got was £679 and not possible till next week.

Found this on fleabay, would these be easy to fit and sort out my ball joint problem?

Control Arm (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10374&item=4546865390)

[peppernick]

Yep those should overhaul your wishbones nicely. You don't need a press but you need some sturdy car jacks and good tools. The kingpins are TIGHT as hell.

Personally, I would use the service of a local garage.

[h4pry]

blody hell dealer had better sort out the knocking noise from my car soon otherwise I am gonna kick their ass when it comes to MOT time next year. Funny thing after 3 years the car needs MOT and dealer warranty also runs out in 3 years....better get inspection 1 or 2 done before MOT time so you can get some broken parts dug out and replaced under warranty.

Teddy, what on earth does your dealer say when you bring your car back looking like it does [cool I guess put as many decals on and just watch their faces :D

[peppernick]

I guess put as many decals on and just watch their faces
Decals alter aerodynamics putting extra strain on suspension components... [crackmeup [crackmeup

[h4pry]

Decals alter aerodynamics putting extra strain on suspension components... [crackmeup [crackmeup


That could deffinately happen :D [crackmeup Also watch out for that rear spoiler as the extra down force will cause the engine to prematurely age [crackmeup